Authorizes the commissioner of motor vehicles to issue driving privilege cards to persons not otherwise qualified to receive a driver's license

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the issuance of driving privilege cards

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would authorize the commissioner to issue driving privilege cards to persons not otherwise qualified to receive a driver's license.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends the vehicle and traffic law by adding a new section 531: Driving privilege cards: the commissioner may issue a driving privilege card to a person who satisfies the requirements for issuance of a driver's license but who cannot provide: a) proof of lawful presence in the United States or b) sufficient identifying documentation.

Section 2: An applicant may not be issued a driving privilege card unless such applicant: a) surrenders to the commissioner any driver's license possessed by the applicant that was issued by a state b) affirms in writing that the applicant resides in this state and provides documentation to verify that the applicant resides in the state c) affirms in writing that the applicant is of legal age to operate a motor vehicle.

Section 3: An applicant for a driving privilege card shall pay all fees applicable for the issuance of a driver's license.

Section 4: A driving privilege card shall be valid for one year from date of issue. While the card is valid, the holder shall have the same privileges and shall be bound by the same legal responsibilities with respect to the operation of a motor vehicle as the holder of a driver's license.

Section 5: A driving privilege card shall not be recognized as a form of identification except for the purpose of verifying that the holder is authorized to operate a motor vehicle.

Section 6: Driving privilege cards shall include a digitized picture of the person to whom the card is issued. Driving privilege cards shall contain a statement similar to the following; "This card entitles the person pictured to operate a motor vehicle. Not for Federal identification purposes."

Section 7: the Commissioner shall promulgate regulations related to the form and design of the driving privilege cards and specifying documentation necessary to verify that an applicant resides in the state.

Justification

This bill would allow for the creation of a driving privilege card to be issued to applicants who can prove state residency and who are deemed eligible to drive. Drivers using a privilege card are bound by the same legal responsibilities, such as insurance coverage, as regularly licensed drivers.

Prior legislative history

2007-2008 A.7531 01/09/08 Referred to Transportation

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall become a law.